Madison — Gov. Scott Walker on Tuesday embraced a move to ban abortion after 20 weeks after repeatedly declining to spell out where he stood on the issue in last year's re-election campaign.

It is the latest example of Walker downplaying a major issue until after being re-elected and climbing to the top tier of likely 2016 presidential candidates. Walker did not campaign on plans to spin off the University of Wisconsin System as a public authority and now says he will sign so-called right-to-work legislation even though he insisted for years he would keep the measure from reaching his desk.

Wisconsin Right to Life has touted as its top priority legislation that has yet to be introduced that would prevent women from seeking abortions in most cases after 20 weeks.(144)

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp. and has to reimburse the company, Koss Chief Executive Michael Koss should also be ordered to personally pay the public company he runs, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

Grant Thornton, Koss Corp.'s former auditor, should also have to pay a portion of any award that may be ordered, Park Bank argued in the latest twist in a long-running court fight stemming from Sachdeva's massive embezzlement.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," the bank said in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss, in this case, those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(10)

Wisconsin author wins new public-school alumni award

A new award the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has developed for "distinguished public-school alumni" from the state will be given to a well-known author from rural Wisconsin.

Michael Perry, from New Auburn, is a humorist, musician and pig farmer who has written various memoirs and nonfiction stories that take place in rural Wisconsin. His latest book, "Visiting Tom," is a New York Times bestseller. Other titles include "Truck: A Love Story" and "Population: 485."

Perry will receive the first State Superintendent's Distinguished Public School Alumni Award Oct. 2 at the Madison Concourse Hotel. He will be the guest speaker for the 2012 Wisconsin Schools of Recognition reception, which precedes the noon award ceremony at the Capitol, according to a news release from the department.

About Erin Richards

Erin Richards covers K-12 education in urban and suburban Milwaukee, as well as state politics related to education issues.